On July 21, 1985, an Enstrom 280C (registration N556H) operated by M. Jacobson & J. Rosenthal was involved in an aviation accident near Milford, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain controlled flight during a steep approach, resulting in an uncontrolled descent into the water. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot performed a steep approach to hover over a boat channel before landing at a residence. On a subsequent flight, the aircraft was unable to arrest its descent and settled into the water.
What happened
The pilot initiated a steep approach to establish a hover over a boat channel. Following this maneuver, the helicopter landed in the yard of a nearby residence. The pilot then loaded a passenger with an identity code of 270 and conducted a short flight. Upon completion of that leg, the aircraft was refueled with 25 gallons of fuel.
After another short flight segment, the pilot returned to the boat channel area. A second steep approach was executed to hover over the water. During this phase, the pilot was unable to stop the descent rate. The helicopter subsequently settled directly into the water.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain controlled flight during a steep approach, resulting in an uncontrolled descent into the water.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 21 Jul 1985 Enstrom 280C accident near Milford, MI?
A pilot performed a steep approach to hover over a boat channel before landing at a residence. On a subsequent flight, the aircraft was unable to arrest its descent and settled into the water.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Jul 1985 involved an Enstrom 280C, registration N556H, operated by M. Jacobson & J. Rosenthal, at Milford, MI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inability to maintain controlled flight during a steep approach, resulting in an uncontrolled descent into the water.
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